Iam often inspired by an image that just catches my eye and makes me want to reach out for my pastels. Poppy (below) is one such inspiration. Artists frequently use photographic images as reference and it is important to ask permission for this. We all know the importance of a good relationship with your local art shop, framer and printer, and photographers are no different. They are often very generous with their work and ask only for a credit. This particular photo (below) is from an amateur photographer I follow on Instagram @forrestpics and Poppy is her own dog.
This photo tells a story. I love Poppy’s expression; it’s as though she is waiting for the rain to stop so she can go out for a walk. I also love the background, as the colours hint of a garden with sharper raindrops sitting on the glass telling us it’s damp out there. There are lots of different textures and my brain is whirring as I think how to approach the different layers.
Potential problems